Bringing Back the Domestic Violence Division

by Attorney Aramis Ayala, Esq. - (Aramis Ayala is a Candidate for State Attorney)Domestic violence does not just affect the couple involved. It negatively impacts the lives of children and other innocent bystanders as well. In short, domestic violence is not just a private issue anymore. It is something that needs to be talked about and addressed within our Orange and Osceola County communities, which the Ninth Judicial Circuit encompasses.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were 10,311 reported domestic

violence offenses within these two counties in 2014 alone. That means domestic violence has already affected the lives of thousands of families right here in Central Florida.

Upon entering office, the current state attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit decided to dismantle the Domestic Violence Unit and combine it with the Sex Crimes Unit, as well as the Child Abuse, Neglect, and Elder Abuse Unit — three very different units.

Now, women and men subject to domestic violence are no longer receiving the attention they need and deserve, because domestic violence cases generally require more time and focus than what the combined unit is currently able to handle. This is an unacceptable state of affairs. I believe domestic violence is a special issue requiring special attention.

I understand the importance of ensuring domestic violence victims have access to the justice they deserve. That is why I support bringing back the State Attorney Domestic Violence Division, and you should, too.